ARQ RC (who puts on these runs) will be partnering with United Way of Morris County.  I urge each of you to bring a donation to the race on January 9, 2010.  A representative from United Way will be on hand.  This is not mandatory and not an entry fee.  This is just a way for the running community to look out for others.  This organization helps out many local families and your support will be greatly appreciated.
If we all do our part we can make a generous donation.  Thank you.

Thank you to everyone that came out on Saturday January 9, 2010 for the 2nd annual Winter Ultra.
Results have been posted.

Join us on January 9th, 2010 for a run through beautiful Watchung Reservation in north-central NJ.  These low-key, minimal-support, informal trail runs will  provide an excellent opportunity to test your mid-winter training.

When: 8:00 am on January 9th, 2010.

Where:  Start  and Finish at the Trailside Nature and Science Center parking lot  map

Entry fee:  $0 (click here for description of a "Fat Ass" run)

Limit: Parking spots for about 100 cars.  If possible try to car pool.

Automatic Registration has closed:  RaceIt.com Registration Page 

Please consider trying to bring something for the Aid Station table or a volunteer to help out.

To volunteer you can also send an email to Rick - NJ Trail Series.  Hours volunteered can be used in your service requirement for other ultras.

Notes from practice loops: The ground was very icy from the cold weather we have had lately.  The western half is hillier and has more single track, the eastern part is flatter with wider paths and almost all bridle paths.  The horse stables are on the eastern half of the reservation so this makes perfect sense.

The Watchung Winter Ultra 50K will do three complete loops of the Sierra Trail for a total of 30 - 31 miles (YMMV, based on your gps).  This is a slight change from 2009 where there was a one mile loop added on at the beginning. 

The Watchung Winter Marathon will do two loops of the Sierra Trail (10 miles) then do the western portion of the trail again.  The marathoners on their way east on the northerly portion of the trail will cut across the water at the bridge, pick up the blue trail, then connect with the straight part of orange and run straight up to the parking area.